apps that…by

DeepL

An app that translates text, photos and files with a natural tone.

Language & travelEveryday translatorsCamera and photo translatorsFree plan+2 more

What DeepL does

DeepL is a translator known for natural-sounding results. The app translates typed text, photos, live camera views, files and your voice, and can read the result out loud. The free plan covers everyday use, and paid plans add extras like glossaries and tone control.

Natural-sounding text translation
Live camera and photo translation
Translate files and documents
Speak to translate, and hear results read aloud
Writing suggestions to polish your text
Glossary and tone settings on paid plans

DeepL earned its reputation on writing. If you translate emails, school work or anything where tone matters, many people find its results need less fixing than a generic translator, though it can still get things wrong, so check anything important. The app also includes writing suggestions to polish text in the same language.

On your phone you can point the camera at text, translate a photo, upload a file, or speak instead of typing. On iPad you can write by hand. Real-time voice conversations exist too, but they sit behind a separate Voice plan.

Where it falls short is travel. DeepL is not built as an offline translator, so you need a connection, and its language list is smaller than Google Translate. Use it when quality matters more than coverage, and keep a broader app around for the trip itself.

Alternatives to DeepL

iTranslateA polished translator with offline packs and a camera lens
Everyday translatorsCamera and photo translators
Free, paid from $9.99/wkFree plan
View
Microsoft TranslatorFree text, voice and photo translation in 100+ languages
Everyday translatorsCamera and photo translators
FreeFree plan
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Google TranslateThe free do-it-all translator for text, camera, voice and offline
Everyday translatorsCamera and photo translators
FreeFree plan
View
Apple TranslateThe free translator already on your iPhone, with full offline mode
Everyday translatorsCamera and photo translators
FreeFree plan
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PapagoFree translator that shines for Korean, Japanese and Chinese
Everyday translatorsCamera and photo translators
FreeFree plan
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Mate TranslateA translator for iPhone, Mac and your browser that stays in sync
Everyday translatorsCamera and photo translators
From $5.99/mo7-day free trial
View

Who it's for

Translating emails, essays and work messages where tone matters
People who want fewer awkward phrasings to fix

Skip it if: Travelers who need offline translation. Anyone who needs a rare language.

Pricing

Free plan
Free, paid from $10.49/mo

There is a free plan. Paid plans on the App Store start at $10.49 a month, with yearly options too. The store does not label which price is which tier, so check the in-app screen before you pay.

Prices can vary by country. Checked 16 Oct 2026.

What people like

  • Many people find its translations read more naturally
  • Free plan covers everyday text
  • Camera, photo, file and voice input
  • Strong ratings on the App Store

Watch out for

  • No general offline mode
  • Fewer languages than Google Translate
  • Many extras and voice conversations cost extra

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Questions people ask

Is DeepL free?

Yes, there is a free plan for everyday text. Paid plans start at $10.49 a month on the App Store.

Does DeepL work offline?

Not really. It is not built as an offline translator, so plan on needing a connection.

Can DeepL translate pictures?

Yes. You can point your camera at text or translate a photo from your library.

Is DeepL better than Google Translate?

For natural-sounding writing, many people prefer DeepL. Google Translate covers more languages and works offline.